Q&A WITH ROMAIN

Define your experience in the IMBA in one word.
Unique

What were some of the main challenges that you encountered on your way? How did your master program and IE help you through these challenges?
Workload, working style from other students, culture differences. The IE master program supported us a lot with feedback sessions, open-door discussions, checking-in, networking, clubs and sport events, and valuing and promoting diversity of opinion and mindset.

How did your experience at IE prepare you for your professional career? In what ways do you think the program has changed your life professionally and personally?
You are never fully prepared for your professional career, but the experience at IE helped me ask myself key questions, understand better the map of power in organizations, always having a plan B, and look for a culture fit at work. The program changed my life personally as I met extraordinary students, colleagues, and some of them became very close friends. They helped me look at life, friendship, values, traditions differently. A real lesson of life where your peers have unique stories, backgrounds, and can enrich you every day with different ways of thinking and looking at life. A real game-changer.

What was networking like in the program?
Everyday among students: full immersion in other cultures, ways of thinking, talking, eating, partying, and sharing private moments.

What was your favorite memory from your time at IE?
Work hard, play hard. A real entrepreneurship experience.

If someone was considering going to IE, what would you tell them?
You will not regret it. It is a unique experience.

Why did you choose to study this program at IE?
Campus life, entrepreneurship, network, and school program.

What is one thing you wished you knew, when you were a student? What advice would you give to students who are about to begin the program?
Learn Spanish beforehand – you will even enjoy more.

Tell us about the IE alumni community and the impact they have had in your life and/or career. Why do you think it’s important to engage with the IE alumni community?
Local network, great professional possibilities, reminds you of the good old times at IE, keeps you close to Madrid mentally. It is very important to engage with the IE Alumni community because there is a life after the MBA. You are the ambassador of the school, your voice, thinking, and advocacy is essential for new students, current student, and the fame of IE. I am very proud to be an IE Alumni.

As one of the first contributors towards the Illuminated Bricks campaign, how does it feel?
I feel honoured to be among the first contributors and hope to stimulate others to follow the path.

What made you decided to give your first gift?
Proudness to contribute and help others.

In your opinion, why is it important to give back? Why does this cause matter to you?
Education is one of my core values. I am really happy to contribute to the IE community and support future students. This cause matters because education can make a difference in life and help people follow their dreams.

What can we do within our IE Community to create an impact and support education?
Talk about it, explain why education is important and be active in the way you feel comfortable.

What would you tell someone who was thinking about contributing?
Do not hesitate, many people are waiting out there and they deserve a chance.

If you had a billboard you could display to the entire world, what you would put on it?
“Follow your dreams, never stop learning, be curious and be humble”.

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